Nature of Incident: Body of missing hiker found in Lang Ranch
Report Number: 21-115727
Location: Autumn Ridge @ Sunrise Trail / north end of Westlake Boulevard
Date & Time: Sept. 2, 2021 @ 7:40 am
Unit(s) Responsible: East County Investigations Bureau, Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(D) James Ledbetter Thousand Oaks 60
Narrative:
The body of a hiker, who had been missing since Tuesday evening, was found Thursday morning near a trail in Lang Ranch. James Ledbetter, who was an experienced hiker, had left his Sunset Hills home Tuesday evening to go for a hike. When he didn’t return, his wife notified the sheriff’s office. Deputies began a search of the area and brought in additional resources, including a search & rescue team, a K-9, mounted unit, and a helicopter.
Deputies were notified Thursday morning by hikers, who found Ledbetter’s body just off the trail. Investigators determined Ledbetter had accidently fallen and suffered a major head injury.
Prepared by: Captain Eric Buschow
News Release Date: Sept. 3, 2021
Media Follow-Up Contact: Captain Eric Buschow (805)947-8129 [email protected]
Approved by: Captain Sean Britt
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